The third round begins on Friday, Day 3 at this year’s Wimbledon. Carlos Alcaraz got a tougher-than-expected challenge from Oliver Tarvet in the second round after going five sets vs Fabio Fognini in the first. Will he struggle again? Or will he cruise? As always, our writers share their thoughts on the matches. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Manan Mehta, and Ateet Shrivastava. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Day 5 Men’s Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Mattia Bellucci
Damian:
Bellucci posted a great win over Lehecka last round with only a small blip near the end when he was already trying to serve out the win. But this is not obvious as Norrie is such a cunning player and knows how to maximize the tools he has. I’ll back Bellucci, but without confidence as his performances typically aren’t that consistent over the course of a week.
Prediction: Bellucci in 5
Manan:
Bellucci has shown some great adaptation to grass with clinical wins in both his rounds so far. However, the slice of Norrie will be a different challenge altogether. One also has to factor the British home crowd who will be rooting big time for their man.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Ateet:
Cameron Norrie is playing some of his best tennis at the perfect time, and the crowd support has worked wonders. He played a great match against Frances Tiafoe and will look to continue that momentum. Mattia Bellucci’s craftiness and lefty serve broke Jiri Lehecka in what was one of the upsets of the second round. Norrie should be able to deal with the serve better and get the win.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Kamil Majchrzak vs Arthur Rinderknech
Damian:
Rinderknech has had a weird tournament so far, playing at least 2 or 3 sets every day with his matches getting postponed due to curfew or darkness. It might hit him at some point and while fatigue isn’t going to be the main aspect here, it could help Majchrzak neutralize his power. This is a big chance for the Pole, best he’s ever had at a Grand Slam run.
Prediction: Majchrzak in 5
Manan:
Rinderknech played an absolute epic against third seed Zverev and has earned himself an easier draw for a few rounds. His speed on the court and ability to change angles might be a test for Majchrzak. The Polish star himself has looked very good so far in the tournament. It will be a close match and might come down to the fitter player.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 5
Ateet:
Arthur Rinderknech played another five-setter to defeat Cristian Garin and reach the third round here for the first time. It was not a great match from the Frenchman, but his serve kept him in the match at all times. Kamil Majchrzak followed up his impressive win over Matteo Berrettini with another solid straight-set victory over Ethan Quinn. This is an excellent opportunity for either player to advance to the fourth round. Rinderknech has the advantage for me.
Prediction: Rinderknech in 4
Jordan Thompson vs Luciano Darderi
Damian:
Thompson arrived at Wimbledon in rough shape physically, but he’s gotten through two five-setters and his draw looks nice. Darderi has the weapons to play in quicker conditions, for now just very often misusing the heavy forehand and not being able to flatten it out. Thompson will need his legs and lungs to be fine for this, but he’s the better grass-courter.
Prediction: Thompson in 4
Manan:
Thompson has now played two five setters and it will be interesting to see how much fuel is left in that tank. Darderi has played one five setter and the other not so taxing. Thompson’s aggressive style may be the best option to win here; however, if the match goes deep Darderi might be favorite to clinch it.
Prediction: Darderi in 4
Ateet:
Jordan Thompson made another impressive comeback in his second-round match as he was trailing two sets to one against Benjamin Bonzi, but fought hard and won in five. He will have his work cut out once again against Luciano Darderi, who won in straight sets in the second round. Fatigue could play a part in this, and the opening set will be crucial.
Prediction: Darderi in 4
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Damian:
Struff has always played Alcaraz close, including a 5-set match at Wimbledon three years ago. Of course a lot has changed since, but an aggressive game like that is a good way to make a big favorite uncomfortable. The 2-time defending champion will not lose this in the long run, even if the match might be quite fun.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Manan:
Alcaraz did face a tough litmus test in his first round. However, the Spaniard looked clinical against Tarvet in the second. There was a reduction in the unforced errors. Struff has been mercurial and the low bounce of the grass hasn’t been very kind to his style of play.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Ateet:
Carlos Alcaraz played a much more solid match to defeat Oliver Tarvet in the second round. He rectified his serve and made fewer errors from the ground. Jan-Lennard Struff got a great win over Felix Auger-Aliassime after dropping the first set. This is his first consecutive win at this level since February. He has troubled Alcaraz in the past, but I can’t see him winning three sets against the defending champion.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
